Russia does not believe Iran plans to develop nuclear weapons but supports efforts by the International Atomic Energy Agency to clarify the situation, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.
The West, led by the United States, suspects Iran of pursuing a secret nuclear weapons program, but the Islamic Republic insists it needs nuclear power solely for civilian purposes.
Asked during a satellite interview with U.S. talk show host Larry King, aired on CNN Wednesday, what Russia's attitude is toward Iran's nuclear program, Putin said: "Iran's nuclear program has been implemented for 20 years."
"Iran has recently in this or that way shown that it is ready for dialogue with the international community and the IAEA. Yes, we know that there are questions at the initial stages of work on the program, and we support the IAEA in its desire to receive exhaustive answers," he told King.
"We are concerned... about any theoretical possibility of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. This relates to absolutely all states, including Iran," Putin said.
"At the same time, we have no grounds to suspect Iran of striving to possess nuclear weapons," the Russian premier said.
"I see nothing blameworthy here, nothing infringing upon Iran's interests if it makes its programs open as much as possible and satisfies the legitimate interest of the specialized international organization - the IAEA - in its work," he said.
"At the same time, I still have the opinion that Iran has the right to pursue nuclear programs under international organizations' control," Putin said.
MOSCOW, December 2 (RIA Novosti)
